Catching a Ride or Spinning the Wheels

I knew we were in Colorado when with an increasing frequency we were passed by the cars, trucks, SUV's, mopeds, mini Coopers and Beetles hauling bikes. Two, three, four stacked together... sometimes enough to provide human-powered transportation for an entire soccer team.  To an outsider, this bike thing just stands out. O.K.? No offense intended.

As we approached Denver, we got stuck behind a small sedan carrying a pair.  The two bicycles were identical except for one thing.

Bicycle A sat comfortably on the hinges that kept it firmly attached to the car, quite relaxed, seemingly enjoying the ride.

Bicycle B, equally firmly attached, had one wheel spinning furiously at the 70 mph flow of traffic.


It was exhausting just to watch it - working so hard, spinning so fast as if the fate of the world depended on it. Of course, all that spinning in the air made absolutely no difference in terms of getting further faster or expediting the arrival at the desired destination.

What made the difference was that it was safely attached to the car... not even clinging to it by its own feeble will power!

In Colossians, Apostle Paul says,

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:3-4

My life is hidden in Christ.  All the spinning of my own little wheels is not going to get me any further or any faster to the desired destination.  Of course, it might make me feel better... make me feel like I am doing something important... The faster the wheel spins, the more important it appears - or so it thinks.

But most likely, it's only going to wear out the curious observers trying to pass me by.

It is vain for you to rise up early, 
To retire late, 
To eat the bread of painful labors; 
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. Psalm 127:2